CENTREVILLE, Md. (July 21, 2011)—A Maryland State Police homicide investigation has been initiated after an examination by forensic experts of a human skull found Monday on a Kent County beach has determined the victim was murdered.

The skull was found by a man walking on Tolchester Beach in Kent County, not far from the Chesapeake Bay shoreline, shortly before 3:30 p.m. on July 18, 2011. After processing the recovery scene at the beach, Maryland State Police criminal investigators had the skull transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an examination and autopsy.

Forensic experts in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled today the death was a homicide and the victim had trauma to the head. The medical examiners findings also stated the victims skull was consistent with a male. A forensic doctor estimated the victims death is believed to have occurred sometime in 2011.

Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit have initiated an investigation into the murder. Information has been communicated to police departments throughout the region and requests have been made to check missing person files for potential persons matching the currently available victim information. Additional forensic tests are continuing. Evidence obtained at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will be reviewed and used to further the investigation into whom this person is and who was responsible for his death.

Anyone who may have information about who this person is or who was responsible for his death is urged to contact Maryland State Police investigators immediately at 410-758-1101.